What is a cover letter?

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Well do not worry we have created a step by step approach to creating a impressive cover letter that anyone would be proud of!

So you cover letter should be around 3 paragraphs longer and no longer then one A4 sheet, anymore and you would have lost the reader. Unless you have a truly amazing writing style and can hold an audience with what you write.

Now you should read, read, highlight, research, plan and then write.

Read = the job description you are applying for

Read = the job description you are applying for again

Highlight = relevant key skills, and objectives the organisation are looking for, do not forget about the CV Buzzwords that maybe used in the advert

Research = about the company you are applying for, there is nothing worse then not knowing anything about a company you want to work for. Think why do you want to work for the company, what draws them to you.

Plan = your cover letter, below are a few sections you could include

Section 1

Make your cover letter look professional and use a professional letter template, many can be found online and some word processing software’s have them built in. Then make your cover letter personal; addressing it to someone does this. Find a name of a person who is advertising the job, or the person in charge or HR and recruitment at the organisation.

Section 2

This is the section that you tell the reader who you are and why they are reading your cover letter. It is always good to mention how you found out about the position, if it was via a mutual friend then mention it. You should be enthusiastic in this section, but do not go overboard with it.

Section 3

This section should contain important about why you would like to work for the organisation. You should give a lot of thought to this, do not just say “I want to work for you because you are the market leader, or good at what you do”. Use CV buzzwords here, it can do no harm.

Section 4

It is important to highlight any education, work experience of relevant skills you have to the position. Do not lie and make them up, but you could give some short examples of how they relate to the job position.

Section 5

The last section, this is normally very brief and sums up your cover letter. It is good to mention when you are available for interviews and also if you have to work any notice periods at a current organisation. Make sure you are positive and always end with “I am looking forward to hearing from your” or “I am looking forward to your reply”.

End your cover letter with:

Yours sincerely, if you have addressed it to a named person

Your faithfully, if it is not addressed to a named person

Finally check, check and check it again. Your cover letter could be a barrier to your CV being read if it is structured poorly has spelling mistakes or makes no sense.